To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Christian

Taking action: Continuing to add wood to the fire – the demands of success

Most people know success is not a stagnant function. In order to “stay on top of our game,” we have to continue to “add wood to the fire.” I love this analogy in Grant Cardone’s best seller, ‘The 10X Rule.’ Sometimes we have no idea what we are fueling, but our actions tend to create results, for better or for worse. If we are truly hoping to serve in the best way, we must be clear about what areas we are adding wood (or water) to the fire.

So, for today, let’s think through some main areas of our lives….

Finances: Any wood I need to add here? Are there areas that require my attention? Any areas I need to add water and put the fire out a bit?

Spiritual: Is my fire at a slow burn, or are the embers barely lit?Am I shining as bright as I could and warming others in the process?

Career (be it in the community, home or retirement): What actions am I taking to ensure that I am continuously growing?

Health, Mind & Body: Am I optimizing what God has given me? Where do I need to add a few branches (or actions) to up my game? After all, I cannot really be successful without a healthy mind and body.

I hope the idea that continuous success requires ongoing action is something that resonates with you. The visual to me was a strong one. Some fires require actual large pieces of wood, some only need kindling, and others need a dousing of water to extinguish the crazy and bring us down a notch. Where do you need to take action?

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Elevate the SPARKLE this week!

Who else is ready to “shake off” winter and bring on the sparkle of warmer days? That surely is a metaphor for life in general… Sometimes, we need to “shake” off a season and pray that God will provide some clear skies and brighter moments.

There is a great scripture that points us to the fact that God is pushing us toward sparkle toward a life fulfilled and joyful…

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4

I’ve heard this read at weddings, and at other celebratory moments in life – those “sparkling” moments, if you will. It strikes me that we need “every day sparkle,” like the kind that happens on a cold winter day. The kind that shows up when a fun song hits the radio, throwing you back to your youth, when “adulting” hadn’t quite taken hold. The kind that makes you smile. We need this truth today.

Today’s simple thought is this: I am praying over each of you right now that God might remove any “yuck” and provide a path of clarity, richness and pure DELIGHT for you and those you love. I hope you will join me in elevating the SPARKLE this week.

The power of our emotions

Not sure where I heard this, but I put it down in my notes as a reminder to blog about at some point. Here’s what I think about this: OUCH!

It resonates because it’s spot on. When our emotions cause our minds to go off course, we are creating stories and narratives that quite possibly aren’t viable or true. The obvious problem with this is we have this amazing ability as humans to manifest our own thoughts. We can use the power of the mind to, at times, turn these emotions into a reality. (I’ve done it more times than I’d like to admit.)

I like the idea that we should OBSERVE these emotions – fear, anxiety, exhilaration, and more – all as a feedback system. A feedback mechanism that was built inside of us to process and make better decisions. Intentionally taking the time to “harness,” if you will, the emotion and asking ourselves where it came from. Is it based on real facts or have we allowed our minds to blow it up into something more? You get the thought here, I hope.

I have a therapist who has asked me to take time to “sit” with my emotions or feelings… don’t pursue them or run from them – just sit. At first that baffled me because I am a doer, as in, “let’s deal with this and move on.” So, this realization that there is another option to observe and understand has been a game changer for me.

I hope this topic strikes home with at least a few of you. It is not easy, but it is important to really consider that God has given us this amazing feedback system for us to both protect ourselves and to help us thrive. We should use it as such and not allow it to be anything more.

Cheers to a great week!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Trust the re-route

I absolutely love this.

Actually, let’s re-phrase that… I have grown to love the idea of this. God has taken me on some crazy paths in my life, and often they have (at least in the end) made sense. Some, on the other hand, make me wonder “what the heck was that all about?” Sure, the twist and turns of life are what makes it interesting, but also downright scary sometimes.

Yesterday, I came across a scripture (Exodus 14:13-14) that I have needed to remember many times in my life. Actually, make that two scriptures. The second, was on a sign over my bed at summer camp a few years ago. It was new to me, and one that has given me great comfort in those scary times.

The first: “But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” Isn’t that amazing? I have often needed God to be on a rescue mission for me and those I love. In fact, as I type this, I have several friends going through pure hell who are in need or rescue. I’m praying this over them right this minute.

The second: “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” WOW. That is the one that hung over my bed. I walked into the room for night one of camp and while I’m not sure what season I was in on that day, the message sunk deep in my soul. I know I needed to surrender and let Him do the fighting. My human spirit had had enough, and could no longer muster up the strength to take on whatever giant I was trying to take to battle. I needed to surrender.

As you go through this week and connect with others, I hope that you will keep these two front and center. Trust the re-reroute. God has you and those whom you love absolutely covered. When trust is hard – because for me, it always is for some reason – remember that He is fighting for you. Stay calm and watch.

Have a simply beautiful week.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Our thoughts are powerful

Our thoughts have the ability to consume our lives – literally.

Our thoughts keep us up at night, and can cause us to drift off and end up in our driveway without remembering the drive home. Our thoughts can both energize us and make us physically sick. The Bible verse above continues on to say that we must take every thought “obedient to Christ.” The intent, to be sure our thoughts are leading us in the direction God would want us to go.

Lysa Terkeurst, a best-selling author, reminded me recently that “as we think, we eventually act.” That was powerful to me, and perhaps will be to you as well. As most of you know, on Sundays I keep it brief. Today, I am leaving this with you with this very idea…

Let us all be more in tune with our thoughts.

Are they leading you where you know in your heart you are supposed to go or are you unsure? If you are unsure, I would point you to prayer and reading God’s word or seeking the input of someone you know has a strong spiritual life that can come alongside you to help. I am confident they would be happy to! That’s what we are all here for… to help, encourage and elevate.

Have a great week and know that you have an army of people cheering you on and praying for your great success.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Stay expectant

“For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” Habakkuk 1:5 NLT

Living in a state of “EXPECTANCY” is important. We are reminded in scripture that God is always working in the background of our lives, creating, orchestrating and helping us navigate sometimes-tough terrain. He sends angels to protect us and to comfort us, and he clears our paths and minds so we can see more clearly and make better decisions. He elevates us by amplifying our strengths at just the right time, and turns even the bad situations we find ourselves in at times, into a story and lesson that helps us and future generations.

Expectancy is one of my dear friend’s “word of the year.” It is a good word for all of us. Leaning in to EXPECTING God to show up and to lead us is something that would make all of our years so much better. Expectancy brings us anticipation and hope in the knowing that everything is being worked out for our good. All we need to do (I know this is really hard!) is exercise faith by moving forward positively and by doing the “next best thing” that we feel God is calling us toward. You will be amazed how he will not only work out the details, but they will be perfect for your life at this specific time.

As I close this, I am expectant that our Kansas City Chiefs win the big game tonight! Fully knowing that we will put it all on the field and together, the city will rise in energy and admiration for the incredible season we have all had the opportunity to take a part in! Regardless of the outcome, this is Chief’s Kingdom… EXPECTANT. (If you are reading this from another area, insert the power of your COMMUNITY!)

Decide today that it is going to be an INCREDIBLE WEEK! #LET’SROLL!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: What does a victorious life look like?

WOOHOO! I’m 13 days into my annual Daniel Fast as you read this (assuming I make it a few more hours today… I have to say, not giving in to nachos at the Chiefs playoff WIN was a challenge). I often have people ask what I am “learning” during the fast, and I have to say so far it has been pretty clear that God is calling me to pray more specific prayers.

What does victory look like your life? What prayers might you ask that would provide that for you? I heard someone once ask “What would change in the world if all of your prayers were answered tomorrow?” Would they change your world, or would they go deeper and make our world better? That always gets me, because I definitely need to work on that!

I’m ready to step into this week asking for some clear and specific outcomes. I know God isn’t a genie and isn’t going to answer them all right away, but I fully believe that He will provide a clear “go ahead” or a clear “no” at the right time. I also believe that whether I like the response or not, the answer is perfect for me at this point in time.

“Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

I for sure am praying for VICTORY for all of our lives as we embark on another week, and another opportunity to make a difference in the world we’ve been assigned.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Reset your soul

Starting 2019 by resetting your soul seems like a great idea. I have to be honest, that is absolutely my goal.

There is well known scripture, Ecclesiastes 3, that reminds us that there is a season for EVERYTHING in our lives. So, whether 2018 was a challenging year or a year of great favor, you can rest in the peace of knowing that there are all types of seasons in our lives — and better yet, we can (and will) not only survive but thrive in order to achieve our purpose.

I heard a message about the new year that highlighted the idea in the photo above: RESETTING your soul. Sometime between Christmas and New Year’s my phone did a hard reset. For several hours, it was completely wiped. I’m sure many of you can imagine the distress that might occur when literally everything had reset back to zero — nada, nothing. Not even one of my 18,000 photos, or a single app, password, or any of my hundreds of notes. Thankfully after reaching “Level 3 support” from Apple, I was able to recover much of the data, though it felt more like recovering parts of my life.

After that trauma, I could only be amused when just two days ago, it did it again. Then, I heard this message. I had to laugh. It was as if the whole thing was speaking right to me. Have you ever felt that way? (Somehow the universe always knows what we need to hear as individuals, and delivers us that message at just the right time.)

I do believe it is purely logical that God would power the whole thing (i.e. my soul) down, in order to resurrect it and bring it back. I like to think that when it comes back, it is FULLY RESTORED — or at least restored to the original, or maybe even a better self, getting rid of any “corrupted data” so to speak.

Do any of you need a reset? Perhaps a soft reset would be enough, and perhaps a full out hard reset would get you to your optimum level of power. I hope that over the last few weeks you might have been reset and restored. If not, I hope you might find time soon to get to that space. Winter is a great opportunity to hide out a bit and allow these resets to occur.

Cheering you all on as we go into our best year ever.

The final review: The best of 2018 books (including my No. 1, and the entire list)

Let’s start with my No. 1 book. If you read no further, go out now and get the Excellence Dividend by Tom Peters. The book is easy to read, and conceptually will grab you from the opening chapter to the end… The sub categories of EXCELLENCE runs from the “next five minutes,” to “email excellence” and pure gold in between.

As for this rest of this, I truly have no idea how to condense this list to a best of the best. In my May 10 blog, I highlighted 5 books that are definitely must-reads. If you don’t have time to open the blog and read, they included…

  • The Little Big Things, Tom Peters
  • The Daniel Dilemma, Chris Hodges
  • The Power of Moments, Chip and Dan Heath
  • When, Daniel Pink
  • Principles, Ray Dalio

On May 14, I blogged about the Soft Edge by Rich Karlgaard, and its emphasis on the importance of dialing in on trust. And on August 8, I did a deep dive on The Blue Zones, by Dan Buettner, which helps us understand the characteristics of the environments and much more of the longest living people on earth. I think we need to add those two to the list for sure!

Since 13 is my lucky number, I’ll roll out 6 more here that I feel can be life changing for you. My full list of books from are included below, because there are so many amazing lessons to be found.

I’m Still Here, Black Dignity in a world made for Whiteness, Austin Channing Brown —This book is the one we ALL need to read. This book begins to help us understand our biases and, and “is a powerful account of how and why our actions so often fall short of our words.” You’ll be better for reading this one, and then acting on what you learn.

The Motivation Manifesto, Brendon Burchard — This came out in 2014, but somehow I believe I just found out about it… I’m certainly not sure how because the title alone fires me up. This book offers nine declarations to claim your personal power, stretching from reclaiming our agenda to amplifying love and slowing time. It’s pure gold.

The Business Romantic, Tim Leberecht — The words on the inside cover, “How can work be delightful – perhaps even magical?” had me at hello. Simple messages like, “Most great partnerships begin with the simple act of ‘breaking bread together,” and “I encourage you to prioritize joy over optimization” (by identifying and implementing small, enchanting changes…moments of surprise in the business day).

Imagine it Forward, Beth Comstock with Tahl Raz — I have this book marked up so much, I don’t know which direction to take you. The book is more or less a classic business book which pushes us to creativity through courage with a great deal of storytelling. The idea, “What’s needed are the skills of a social architect, someone who is committed to collaborating in a psychologically safe zone that allows for what I call agitated inquiry. Agitated inquiry is the practice of evolving an idea into action steps through heated exchanges and debate.” That captures the book well. If you are a business geek like me, you’ll love this one for sure.

Dare to Lead, Brene Brown — I loved this so much, I turned it into a leadership development program for our team. The subtitle, “Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts,” is the underlining focus. As a seasoned author, Brene raises the bar on her already stunning work. The book challenges us to think about how we “show up,” to truly dive into “the story I’m telling myself at any moment,” and to embrace that being clear is kind — always. So good. And even though lead is in the title, it is so much more than a leadership book… it’s a life book.

Becoming, Michelle Obama — I ended 2018 with this one on New Year’s Eve! It took me nearly the whole month to read, but it was worth it. I am so glad I took the time to dive deep into this one because I learned that I really had no idea who our former First Lady was, and the power of her story. Her ending focused on the idea of “becoming” and it’s a perfect way to end the year and today’s blog. “For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. It’s all a process, steps along a path. Becoming requires equal parts patience and rigor. Becoming is never giving up on the idea that there’s more growing to be done.”

Full List of 2018 books:

  1. One Day All Children, Kopp
  2. Boost your Brain Power, Harmon
  3. The Rhythm of Life, Kelly
  4. Enough, Bogle
  5. The Weight of Water, Shreve
  6. In Her Own Right, Griffith
  7. Crushing it, Vaynerchuk
  8. Serious Play, Schrage
  9. LOVEMARKS, Roberts
  10. The Experience Economy, Pine II & Gilmore
  11. The Genius of Birds, Ackerman
  12. Nudge, Thaler & Sunstein
  13. Sway, Brofman& Brofman
  14. The Pixar Touch, Price
  15. Powerful, McCord
  16. When, Pink
  17. The Leadership Gap, Daskal
  18. Prescription for the Future, Emanuel
  19. Strength in Stillness, Roth
  20. Power of Moments, Heath & Heath
  21. RePresent Jesus, Daniels
  22. The Excellence Dividend, Peters
  23. A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Quindsten
  24. Ayurveda- Beginner’s Guide, Weis-Bohlen
  25. The Soft Edge, Karlgaard
  26. I’m Still Here, Channing Brown
  27. The Business Romantic, Leberecht
  28. White Houses, Bloom
  29. The Blue Zones, Buettner
  30. The Motivation Manifesto, Burchard
  31. Life’s Golden Ticket, Burchard
  32. Tailor Made, Seeley
  33. Rebel Talent, Gino
  34. Hope in the Dark, Groeshel
  35. Do Something Beautiful, Moore
  36. Wisdom at Work, Conley
  37. Imagine it Forward, Comstock
  38. The Person you Mean to Be, Chugh
  39. Healing the Soul of a Woman, Meyer
  40. Whiskey in a Teacup, Witherspoon
  41. 5 Second Rule, Robbins
  42. It’s not Supposed to be this way, Terkeurst
  43. Dare to Lead, Brown
  44. Becoming, Obama
  45. Principles, Dalio
  46. Awaken devotional, Shirer
  47. Little Big Things, Peters
  48. Daniel Dilemma, Hodges
  49. Back to Balance, Fisher
  50. Mandela’s Way, Stengel-Richard
  51. Giving it All Away, Green & High
  52. Discerning the Voice of God, Shirer
  53. Building an A Team, Johnson
  54. The New Jim Crow, Alexander

LOVE BIG!

I think all of my boys would say Christmas is the best time of the year, but one of my sons in particular really loves Christmas. I bought him a sign with the message, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” a few years ago, and he proudly hung it in his room everyday of the year until he went off to college.

I love that, and I love that he understands the message of Christmas and that it’s truly all about LOVE. My mom-heart hopes that he will hold on to this truth all through his life.

Loving well is central to our hearts as humans. We are meant to love and often we get it right, and sometimes we don’t love as well as we can or should. Regardless, we strive toward LOVE and the world usually magically gives it back to us.

As we head into this week, my prayer is that we love well – the best we can! Even when the world sometimes doesn’t give it back, we press forward and continue to love. Thanks to the Christmas story, we know the truth is that God so loved the world, and He gave us His only son…

And our hope in this wacky wonderful world is real and beautiful. Enjoy every minute of this week… For many this is what most believe holds the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR.

Love my friends! Love well!